Children and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (hyperlink to IHRNA page on the Declaration) establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's indigenous peoples.

It explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and indigenous peoples.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides for the right of children to: 

• •    not be subject to genocide or violence including forcible removal of children (Article 7);
• •    to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination (Article 14.2);

The Declaration outlines the following responsibility of States to take measures to:

• •    ensure children have access, where possible, to education in their own culture and language (Article 14.3)
• •    protect indigenous children from economic exploitation from performing work that is hazardous or interferes with their education, or is harmful to their health or development (Article 17.2)
• •    and where appropriate, ‘special measures’ to ensure continuing improvement of indigenous peoples economic and social conditions with particular attention given to the rights of special needs of children (as well as other special needs groups) (Article 21)
• •    pay particular attention to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of the Declaration (Article 22.1)
• •    ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and all forms of violence and discrimination (Article 22.2) For more information on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, click here (hyperlink to the IHRNA page on the Declaration)